Apple has officially introduced the eagerly awaited new Digital ID feature in Apple Wallet, initially revealed at WWDC and now being made available to users throughout the United States. This cutting-edge feature utilizes users’ U.S. passports, offering a secure and convenient method for creating and presenting identification.
### How to Establish Digital ID in Wallet Using Your Passport
Setting up the Digital ID is akin to adding a driver’s license to the Wallet application. Here are the steps:
1. Launch the Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Select the Add (+) button in the upper-right corner.
3. Pick “Driver’s License or ID Cards” from the available options.
4. Tap “Digital ID” and adhere to the on-screen prompts.
During the setup, users will be asked to capture a photo of their passport and read the embedded chip on the back of the passport using their iPhone. A selfie will also be necessary for confirmation, alongside a series of facial and head movements to validate identity. The complete verification process is designed to be finalized within a few minutes, and once verified, the Digital ID will show up in the Apple Wallet app.
Apple stresses that the entire procedure is secure and private. Digital ID data is encrypted, and all passport information is stored on the device, ensuring that Apple cannot access users’ details or monitor when and where IDs are utilized. Biometric authentication through Face ID or Touch ID ensures that only the owner can present their Digital ID, and only the essential information is shared during transactions.
### Where Can You Utilize Digital ID in Apple Wallet?
The initial rollout of Digital ID acceptance is taking place at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports across the United States, although it is restricted to domestic travel. Users will still need to carry their physical identification for international flights.
To present the Digital ID, users can double-click the side or Home button to access Apple Wallet, select Digital ID, and position their device near an identity reader. They can then review the requested information and authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID.
Apple plans to broaden the acceptance of Digital ID to encompass select businesses and organizations, enabling users to verify age and identity online and within apps. For example, users will be able to utilize their Digital ID to confirm age for alcohol purchases on platforms like Uber Eats.
Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, underscoring the security and convenience it provides to users.
### Conclusion
The introduction of Digital ID in Apple Wallet signifies a notable progression in digital identification solutions in the United States. By enabling anyone with a passport to create a Digital ID, Apple is bypassing the sluggish adoption of mobile driver’s licenses by states. Users can start the process of adding their Digital ID in the Wallet app today, paving the way for a more secure and efficient method of managing identification.
